My name is Julia Yoder, and I am 23 years old. I was raised in Hudson, Michigan. I decided to move down to Florida in 1999
after the death of my father Lee Roy Yoder.
My three older brothers had already been living here also, which makes
me the only baby girl out of four of us.
My interest in Martial Arts was small and a friend of mine
introduced me to his dad who was a Karate Instructor located near the gym I was
working out at. So I started taking his
class. I was only involved for about 6
months when I decided to move on and continue with just my regular workout
routine. I started a membership at Too Your Health Spa, in Belleview, Fl. I
began taking a Cardio Kick Boxing Aerobics Class their with Professor
Wheeler.
My brother Josh who was a state wrestling champ in Michigan
started training with Professor Wheeler in USA Jujitsuâ.
I decided to try the class. When
I first arrived I couldn’t believe how close contact they were when fighting
especially on the ground. It was
grappling, kickboxing, and submission all combined into one class. I started out timid and shy in class
thinking no way you will see me rolling around with these guys. My sister in law Summer, Josh’s wife began
at the same time. Since then all that
has changed. When I began it was only to find something to take up some of my
time and stay in shape but now I am working hard everyday to become an
Instructor of USA Jujitsuâ.
Recently I competed in the N.A.G.A Florida
Grappling Championships held in Miami. I won the No-gi division and took
2nd place in the gi division.
It was a great accomplishment and has definitely taught me where I want
to go in life continuing in martial arts.
I feel that all women should know some kind of self-defense for their
own safety.
Comments From Professor Dennis Wheeler USA Jujitsuâ
Julia is in the instructors training program for USA Jujitsuâ. She is currently testing for her blue belt. She is a pleasure to have in class and someone I am not only happy to be able to have as my student but also to have as a friend. Her commitment, dedication, determination, and loyalty is why I think she deserves Martial Artist of the month.
Professor Dennis Wheeler
USA Jujitsuâ